August 1, 2021

Breaking Open the Scripture Scripture for 2 Samuel 11:26 – 12:13, Psalm 51:1-12, Ephesians 4:1-16, John 6:24-35 Theme: The bread of Life Song: One Bread One Body UMH 620 John: This is the only time that we will study John 6 this year. Jesus is explaining what it means to be the bread of life. People are grappling to understand what that even means. When Jesus says that he is the bread of life, first they try to capture him and make him King – the provider who will take care of them and solve all of their problems. Jesus escapes, and they come after him. Jesus explains the leaders ability to provide comes from God, not from themselves. Jesus is not leading them to a better life in this world. A better life in this world leads them to God. Then they say that if Jesus is God, then he has to do miracles like in the bible. Some of the greatest miracles in life are the ones that we never notice. Jesus is the bread of life, those who believe will never be hungry in spirit. Ephesians: Paul seems to have a lot of advice on what it means for us to be the church and the work that we have to do on the earth. We are still reminded that even though we are different people, there is only one Lord, therefore there is only one mission. We have to strive to stay united on that one mission. Paul also talks about church growth. Today we tend to think of church growth at gaining recognition, as being popular, as being the fun church. Paul tells us that true growth is the church learning to come together beyond differences, learning to use our gifts, struggling to put Christ first in all things. “ The body (of Christ) makes itself grow in that it builds itself up with love as each one does their part.” Questions: What is it that you expect from Jesus? What type of bread does your spirit need right now? What do you need to do to achieve eternal life? What does church growth feel like to you? How is God at work in our church right now? How do we need to come together to achieve our mission?